April 8, 2003
Distinguished Mr. Burkart,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to attend the opening of the Regional Information Seminar on “Nuclear Energy and Human Needs in Asia” today. On behalf of the China Atomic Energy Authority, I would like to extend congratulations on the opening of the Seminar and my warmest welcome to Mr. Burkart, Deputy Director General of IAEA, the delegation he headed, representatives from neighboring countries, and domestic participants, and express our gratitude to the supporting ministries, enterprises, universities and the press.

The development of nuclear science and technology and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are one of the greatest attainments in the 20th century. The past half-century witnessed the expansive application of nuclear technology in energy, industry, agriculture, medicine and environmental protection and its outstanding contribution to the social and economic development of the world. The nuclear power has achieved considerable development in the world and become an indispensable part of the world’s energy mix, contributing one sixth of the world’s total power generation. Its safety and economic effectiveness have been further improved accordingly. An increasing number of people have come to realize the actual and potential role of nuclear power in environmental protection and sustainable development.

Nuclear technology is playing an important, indispensable role in many social and economic aspects. In the sector of industry, various radiation appliances and nuclear instruments are widely used in production, process control, non-destructive inspection, chemical analysis, resource prospecting, etc., and have yielded remarkable social and economic benefits. In agriculture, nuclear technology is playing positive roles in irradiation breeding, soil improvement, insects sterilization, keeping food fresh, and increasing the reproductivity of livestock. Nuclear medicine, another important field of nuclear technology application, has taken a great step forward. The increasing application of nuclear medical equipment, appliances, medicine, radioactive diagnosis and radiotherapy across the world relieved numerous patients from suffering and saved many lives. Moreover, nuclear technology is demonstrating growing importance in environmental protection and water management.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In parallel with the fast developing science and technology in the world, the technology of nuclear energy is undergoing rapid changes, and has been applied widely for the benefit of the mankind. Owing to the insufficient positive publicizing and other reasons, some people who do not have the access to nuclear knowledge and information have doubts on peaceful uses of nuclear energy and “nuclear phobia” still exists. Its application is facing the challenge of “public acceptance”. The China Atomic Energy Authority, a governmental organization committed to promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy, is in the position to respond to the challenge by providing scientific and objective nuclear knowledge and information to the public with the support of relevant organizations, science education sectors and the press through various channels. CAEA will make contribution to the development of nuclear technology in China and the world by setting up a positive image of nuclear by advocating its advantages in terms of safety, economic effectiveness, environmental protection and other aspects the public concerns.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, the only inter-governmental organization for nuclear affairs, has been devoted to the promotion and development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and supporting its member states including China in the application of nuclear energy and technology. Today we cooperate with the Agency once again in holding this Seminar on “Nuclear Energy and Human Needs”. I wish the experts, scholars and other participants would make full use of this seminar to exchange with government officers, educators, journalists and the public information on application of nuclear technology in energy, industry, agriculture, medicine and environmental protection; its achievements and problems in the process of application and development. Such efforts will help the public establish an objective and realistic understanding of the role of nuclear technology in social and economic development, and improve the condition for the healthy and stable development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in China and the Region.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Seminar is held in the season when everything blooms in Beijing, and I am convinced it will be a complete success with our joint efforts. The rich achievements of the Seminar will be disseminated to all over the country by the spring breeze. Finally, I wish you enjoy your stay in Beijing.

Thank you.